COLUMBUS, Ohio-Nationwide Children’s Hospital reports that Ohio is projected to see a 49% increase in marijuana exposure among children in 2024 compared to 2023. This rise is evident even before the start of recreational marijuana sales. In 2023, there were 234 cases of edible cannabis exposure in children under 6 years old, while 204 cases were already recorded by July 2024. A Columbus mother shared her distressing experience after her 7-year-old son tested positive for marijuana intoxication in March 2023. The child, who had consumed cannabis gummies at school, was rushed to the hospital in a state of severe impairment. Dr. Hannah Hays from Nationwide Children’s highlighted the concern that increased access to cannabis is leading to more frequent and severe exposures among young children. Some cases can result in seizures or respiratory failure, requiring serious medical intervention.
